Changes in serum lipid levels after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese dyslipidemic and normolipidemic patients

Background: This study investigated the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed for morbid obesity on serum lipid levels of dyslipidemic and normolipidemic patients.

Methods: 141 patients who underwent LSG between September 2014 and January 2016 were included in the study.

Results: The patients’ mean body mass index was 46.27?±?6.79?kg/m² preoperatively, 31.60?±?5.37?kg/m² in the 6th month postoperatively and 27.80?±?4.25?kg/m² in the 12th month (p?<?.001). Preoperatively and 12 months after the operation, mean total cholesterol (TC) levels and mean LDL cholesterol, mean HDL cholesterol, and mean triglyceride (TG) levels were statistically significantly decreased (p?<?.01). Comparing TC levels in the 12th month with preoperative levels, dyslipidemic patients showed a statistically more significant decrease than normolipidemic patients. LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in both the groups. HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly in both groups while mean TG levels decreased significantly in patients with high preoperative TG levels, but not in patients with normal preoperative TG levels.

Conclusions: Although this technique exerts its effect primarily by reducing gastric volume, besides its metabolic and hormonal effects, it also improves serum lipid levels (decreasing TC, LDL cholesterol and TG levels, and increasing HDL cholesterol levels). It therefore contributes to decreasing cardiovascular diseases.